"Spencers: Theatre of Illusion" Nov. 14; International Magicians of the Year not your "typical magicians"

11/07/2012

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Kevin and Cindy Spencer,

"Spencers: Theatre of Illusion" is not your run-of-the-mill magic show and the Spencers are not your typical magicians. The Spencers, named the 2009 International Magicians of the Year, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, at Hall Auditorium, as part of the Miami University Performing Arts Series.

Kevin and Cindy Spencer, known professionally as The Spencers, are among the world’s most recognized magical performers. They have performed for millions of people with sold out performances in 19 countries on five continents. They have been named Performing Arts Entertainers of the Year six times and, in 2009, were bestowed magic’s highest honor, the Merlin Award for International Magicians of the Year, joining the ranks of David Copperfield and Penn & Teller.

The Spencers’ production is a fusion of magic and illusion, humor and mystery, and persona and personality. With a background in clinical psychology, Kevin likes to say, “I was going to help people’s minds but now I just mess with them.”

Kevin Spencer in Theatre of Illusion (photo courtesy The Spencers)

Their show, Theatre of Illusion, stands in stark contrast to the traditional magic show. By blending the theatrical elements of a Broadway-style production with the high energy of a rock concert, these artists take their audience “on a journey to the brink of impossibility… and back again.”

Kevin Spencer has committed his life to magic both on stage and off. When he’s not working with his crew to set up a show, Spencer can be found spreading the word about the therapeutic and educational benefits of learning magic for persons with a variety of disabilities. He is widely considered the leading authority on the functional and academic benefits of the art of illusion.

Healing of Magic uses simple magic tricks as a form of rehabilitative therapy. Hocus Focus integrates magic tricks into the classroom as a way of motivating students in the learning process. Both projects have an international reputation with published research in leading scientific journals.

Kevin Spencer, Healing of Magic (photo courtesy The Spencers)

Spencer received the Harry Chapin Award for Contributions to Humanity in recognition of his work in healthcare and education. During their stay, he will be visiting with classes at Miami and working with special needs programs in the Talawanda School District.

“Spencers Theatre of Illusion” is presented by the Miami University Performing Arts Series and supported by the Arts Midwest Touring Fund, a program of Arts Midwest, and by the National Endowment for the Arts with additional contributions from the Ohio Arts Council.